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Pacific Avenue Subarea Plan & Environmental Impact Statement

In 2019, the Tacoma City Council passed Resolution No. 40287 stating the City’s commitment to developing a comprehensive subarea plan along Pacific Avenue. The plan will create a long-term vision for growth and identify action steps, such as code and policy changes, as well as priority investments for infrastructure and public amenities that will achieve this vision over the coming decades
City of Tacoma aerial photo.

Contact

Wesley Rhodes
Senior Planner
(253) 208-0083
WRhodes@tacoma.gov

What is “Picture Pac Ave”?

We are partnering with the community to create “Picture Pac Ave,” a long-term vision for growth and development that will guide future investments and support planned transit improvements along Pacific Avenue from approximately I-5 to South 96th Street. Picture Pac Ave provides an opportunity to support businesses, improve safety and walkability, and enhance the quality, availability, and affordability of housing along the Pacific Avenue corridor to benefit both existing and future Tacomans.

Your input is crucial to this process, and we want to hear your ideas on these important topics:

  • Zoning and urban design
  • Transportation and connectivity
  • Economic development
  • Housing
  • Sustainability and public health
  • Public services, facilities, and infrastructure

Project Goals

Graphic outlining the goals of the project

Environmental Impact Statement and Health Impact Assessment

The City will prepare a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which allows for an upfront, cumulative, and areawide evaluation of project impacts. As a result, future project-level permitting will be streamlined with greater predictability for the public and applicants.

The City issued a Determination of Significance (DS) and Scoping Notice in 2023. Click here to access the Determination of Significance and Scoping Notice.

The City is also partnering with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA). An HIA is a process that explores the impacts (either positive or negative) on public health of a proposed plan, policy, or capital investment, and helps shape recommendations and decisions based on these impacts.

Project Benefits

  • Creates a community-shaped vision for the future of the corridor
  • Advances City priorities such as housing affordability, economic development, and climate action
  • Improves connectivity to planned transit improvements, businesses, and community amenities
  • Supports accessibility, including walking, biking, rolling, and ADA
  • Evaluates community needs such as parks, amenities, and infrastructure
  • Enhances zoning and standards for new development and infrastructure
  • Identifies equity and anti-displacement strategies for existing residents and businesses
  • Conducts upfront environmental review and streamlines future investments

Related Projects

While Picture Pac Ave is separate from Pierce Transit’s planned transit improvements along the corridor, the City will coordinate closely with Pierce Transit to enhance the benefits of these planned transit investments. This includes the roll-out of the Enhanced Bus Service and continued coordination during the pause of the Stream bus-rapid transit (BRT) project. Picture Pac Ave will consider how these transit improvements can create opportunities for more housing and jobs near high-capacity transit stations. The subarea plan will also look for ways to improve transportation infrastructure and connectivity for people walking, biking, and rolling through the corridor.

Relevant Materials

Key Plans, Studies, and Reports

Concurrently developing plans and regulations: